It was inevitable that PRS, Gibson, and Fender would end up with their "overseas" guitars coming up in price until they become premium brands in their own right. I don't begrudge Epiphone for coming up with a "top of the line" guitar for $1,299 - it's not for me, but it's definitely going to sell. They look killer. But I do think these brands need to be careful. Squier and Epiphone both still sell models of guitars in the "budget" range, but the more they increase prices, the more budget players move to other less expensive brands.
It's going to be brands like Sire that fill the void left in the affordable ranges as Epiphone's prices go up. Look for off-brand unknowns too, I have an EART, (Electroacoustic Art,) headless in the style of a Strandberg Boden and it is amazing! for less than $500 this guitar is in the quality range of guitars costing 3 to 4 times as much, I absolutly love it!
I agree 100%. Two years ago I was shopping in the PRS core, Gibson, ESP and Fender USA tier. Now I'm in either the used market or the Epiphone, E-II, LTD, PRS S2, Fender MIM tier. I'm glad I bought my higher end guitars when they were relatively affordable. These new Epiphones do look, and sound, amazing though and I understand the pricing in today's economic conditions. Still there's something in my brain that sends warning signals when I try to spend over $1K on an Epiphone.
Issue is that at that price range you already get a Gibson and are very close to a really good Gibson. I’d always get a SG standard or Les Paul special over these
I used to have an Ibanez Lawsuit Flying V and loved it. I have a newer model Gibson Explorer and it’s probably my absolute best and favorite guitar. While sitting down and playing, the Explorer is probably the best guitar I own for how comfortable it is to play in that position. Standard up it’s just the same and so well balanced.
I had two Ibanez Rocket Roll Vs from 1976 and they were my main and backup stage guitars for years. I put DiMarzios in them at the time. They were great guitars. I also had a 1977 Ibanez Korina Destoyer (Explorer) which was also great.
I bought a Gibson Explorer brand new in 2019 for £1150. That was the full price. Currently they're like £1700. Granted mine isn't a special edition, and I guess if you want a legit Korina V/Exp then it's 10k, but jeez £1300 for an Epi is expensive!
Definitely rather pay a little extra for a Gibson made in USA that is now Plek'ed rather than a Epiphone made in China that probably needs a proper setup and leveling - any day of the week.
I paid 1500 Canadian after tax for a 2018 gibson explorer in January of 2019 . The the same guitar now called the original collection explorer is 2300 Canadian plus tax a 1000 dollar increase in 3 years.
@@andreaswagner8356 And for $400 less, you can get the '59 Epiphone LP with the same electronics.. Gibson plays off Korina as being a special rare wood, which it definitely isn't. It even doesn't look like Korina but Mahogany with Mahogany. Oh, and they're made in china. I don't recall other brands have guitars in the $1299 range being made there, but high end Indonesia or Korea.
Well i just paid 2300 for my new white gibson V , and waited 2 years for it . True to Gibson form ( i own 12 ) , it was nothing but problems with finish and one bad tuner. So im glad i saved a thousand dollars and got a epiphone that has NO issues . just my experience.
I got my Epiphone Lzzy Hale Explorer, which is a '58 style, for £600 new. Okay, it's a mahogany body and it doesn't have Gibson pickups, but it has a bound ebony board with block inlays, body binding, gold hardware, and what is almost certainly the same case but with a black interior and black vinyl cover with the Halestorm logo. I can't see how these come to twice the price.
I was a Hetfield fan growing up in the 80s so I love both these Guitars , I own both but sadly not Gibson I have both ESP models unbelievable Guitars Icons and will never die out .
Quarter sawn lumber is about much more than the appearance of the grain, although that tends to be the primary reason people buy it. If lumber is quarter sawn, it reduces expansion and contraction, is more resistant to moisture penetration, twisting, warping and cupping. It's much less likely to have surface checking, it ages more evenly and it actually holds paint better than flat sawn lumber. All of which I would imagine would be ideal qualities for guitar construction. Much higher waste factor when sawing it that way, so it's typically significantly more expensive than flatsawn.
More importantly they have the same pickups. The USA V and Explorer also have BB2 and 3 but the usa V and explorer are made form mahagony and these are Korina so that is going to make a big difference in sound . I have 2 original collection explorers which are all maghagony and they have a different tonal flavor. These Korina explorers are brighter and more open with more bite and more of an upper mid boost . My all Maghagony explorers have alot more lower mids then these. They have alot more throaty lower nid growl and are more compressed. They also have more nasal Honk them these. And are more hollow sounding with less upper mids Also the USA flying V has a stop bar tail price and Nashville tune o matic and are not strung though the body like the epi Korina and the gibson Korina these epis are much closer in spec to the custom shop Korina gibsons . Also the gibson USA V and explorer have very slim necks and the epis have fat 58 necks .
@@adamwatson6916 These look like Mahogany though, doesn't not looke like Korina at all, gotta wait for better pics I guess. Korina isn't special, many luthiers uses it and calls Gibson and their religious followers out on it, and Reverend uses it on most if not all their guitars, for about the same price +-$100 and they use roasted Maple, Rosewood and are made in Korea, and not china.. And no, It's not going to make a big difference in sound, wood does have its own unique sound, but there's not 2 Mahogany guitars that will sound the same either, and the electronics will have the biggest saying in that matter (2 of the same pickup will also sound different, and will have the absolute biggest sound difference between 2 guitars regardless of wood) and the wood pretty much none, I prefer a guitar to be resonant though.
Taking the piss with those prices. Get a second hand Gibson explorer. Also, smaller companies are managing to get rosewood back on cheaper guitars now.
They already released these '58 korina reissues years ago but made in Korea at World Musical Instrument Inc. and they are amazing players. All the guitars that came out of that factory play amazing. Search out one of those, because of the Epi name it might be possible to find deals out there.
I had one of the 'korina' V's from the early 2000s, it was just a veneer and very very much a mediocre guitar. These (like most recent epis) will be a step above those.
I've had two of the late 90s Epi Korina Vs and also the late 90s Epi Korina Explorer. And the Korina Moderne from like 2001. And the Korina SG. All made in Korea. They were decent guitars, but they were less expensive. They were around $500 USD new back then. The SG was less. They all came with cases back then. I like these ones but the aged finish looks like crap. I've had the Epi 59 LP and two Gold Glory JJN LPs. I immediately took a polishing machine to them. As for the video, the Gibsons looked better than the Epis by a long shot. The sounds were close, but again Gibson wins with the Custombuckers. I think these are worth the money. Great cases.
yep, I bought one for $275 about 6 years ago. plays insanely well, upgraded the pickups and it sings like an angel. I play it through my ssd-3000 into an AC15 for the chimey U2 tones. sounds incredible, and plays super well. I even picked up a vintage Gibson case for it for $90. Ive played a gibson custom shop one at a guitar center and could hardly tell a difference.
I have a 2016 Epiphone Korina 58 V. I absolutely love it. And I also have USA and Japanese guitars. Only thing I had to do was change the nut. The original nut was horrible at staying in tune.
I was gonna build a Flying V & it was going to resemble Epiphone’s V. I think the price of my build would come around the asking price of this new reissue. Buying all the parts & having my luthier put it together for me would be close to the 1,300.00. I’m ordering this Epiphone. Gotta have it 😊
Then add to that the fact you get a case included, which are really nice (see 11:22), the fact you get a warranty, and re-sale value would be higher than a custom build.
You guys should have done a blindford challenge for these guitars. It would be interesting to hear what Pete says by playing and comparing them blindfolded.
You should check your ears if you think an epiphone, which is a sub Gibson brand with cheaper parts and cheaper quality wood could even come close to sounding like a Gibson
@@chipchiperson679Right? I’m with you! I’m so sick of these inferior beings who strum an inferior product walking around and breathing the same air as I! I’ve found there are two lanes in life - 1. Gibson people 2. Everyone else. Be like the former!
I ponied up a bought the Explorer and all I can say is it’s probably the best sounding guitar I have out of 14 others including Gibson, Fender, Reverend, Kiesel, etc.
@@ericvernon1182 if you can't tell the difference in tone, feel and looks of different fretboard woods, you've clearly not played many guitars. It's not remotely the same as trying to compare body and neck woods.
@@DruEllz typical elitist reply...i especially enjoy how you mention looks...just about the only difference in any wood on an electric... But you go ahead and stick ur pinky out there and tell me how many different guitars i haven't played...like you know me...smh... Despite the mountain of evidence piling up if you still wanna believe in tonewood you go right ahead...I'm sure the flat earthers have a theory you'll buy into as well...
@@ericvernon1182 lol, OK sweetheart. If you think there's no difference between maple, rw, ebony, Pau Ferro etc for fretboards, you really don't know what you're talking about. Body wood I pretty much agree with you but to say the same about boards is easily demonstrably wrong. Also a bit weird to dismiss looks. Also also a bit weird to mention flat earth when you're wearing a tin foil hat and getting triggered by the evil tonewood conspiracy.
Could you guys make some used gear vids too?? I know it’s not the bread and butter, but it would be really neat to see some common used/vintage gear from the UK. Thanks!
They're $1300 here in the States and that's a no go for me. I also think the 10 grand for the Gibson versions is bonkers as well. I'd love to have the Custom Shop version but I can't pay that kind of money. I own a 2018 Gibson Explorer and a 16 Gibson V. Paid $700 for the V and $1200 for the Explorer
I've got a '99 Epiphone Korina Flying V that I bought when I was 17. I replaced all of the hardware with gold hardware, and replaced the pickups with DiMarzio UtoPIA in gold & black. Easily my favourite guitar in my collection, and it just turned 25 this Spring! (Fall 2024 at the time of posting this)
I have the Epiphone "58 Korina V and Explorer. They are from 2015 and 16 repectively purchased used online and together they cost about $1200, the V was mint and the Exp. was excellent. There are still deals out there you just gotta look around. I would like to know where to get those 6 inline vintage Klusons with the plastic tips however.
Very expensive for an epiphone model BUT if we can forget the name in headstock then we have a very good guitar. It sounds like Gibson or very close to me and it has the sound I expect in this price range.
@@stilllifewithguitar184 The 2010 models were sold in ebony and natural and quite literally had "made from solid Korina" in the specs so no, it was not "just a veneer".
@@stilllifewithguitar184I know it has a veneer but what about the body and neck wood? That means Epiphone was lying for more than 20 years?? The "same" model but "Inspired by Gibson", Mahogany body and Epiphone Pickups is 599€. Count to 1299€ for the current Korina.
Great video but I think Epiphone have jumped the shark with this one. An Epiphone for Gibson Les Paul money... maybe not. You can still pick up a new non-satin finished Epiphone Korina V or Explorer for ~£550. Even if you bought the case and a set of Gibson pick ups you'd still have cash left...
In business, we had a manufacturing arm for a while. When creating a more “affordable” product, it financially behooved us to use 99% of the same materials with the 1% being a superficial delineator that implied the customer was buying a lower quality product. The perception of “cheaper” was mostly in the client’s head and not very much in reality. That seems to be where Epiphone is right now. If it said “Gibson” on the headstock, it would satisfy the cork sniffers and they’d maintain that they have an instrument that is top of the heap.
ZZounds and AMS have had the 58 Korina models all 3 including Moderne actually still only $599 I got one of each last year to complete the set. Not sure if ill get one of these when I could just wear those down and look better than satin. My JB Lazurus from last year kind of let me down with satin finish.
lol I got my Epiphone 58 korina explorer 10 years ago for $250 and now they're selling for 1200, I get it's a gibson collaboration but it's still an epiphone and $1200 is insane for an epiphone that's not even a sig model
I think that the price for these Epiphone models are pretty cool indeed and with a hardshell case included great. Epiphone guitars ive had like 3 the first one was a 1989 Les Paul Custom in white and the Two other ones were Les Paul Classic ¡ all 3 of em were not b but for me C class the fre job was awfull but they sounded good but i paid over 500 bucks for those guitars and now they are building them with more detail to quality so. And these 2 Replicas are extremely Cool. Great Job Epiphone.
D stands for David. Dwight David Eisenhower. I’m sure no one asked or cares but I was a poli sci major and history minor so it’s engrained in me. Sweet guitars too 🙃🎸
I'm happy Gibson is finally allowing Epiphone to make great guitars with great components. For the longest it was like they were cutting the legs off of their budget brands on purpose just to keep from the inevitable fact that the quality would reach too close to that of Gibson standard stuff. Give us the good electronics and hardware on all the budget brands from now on. It's worth it
your Epi did probably not got the same featues as this ome. Furhter, there might be a difference but not a 2000 USD difference. I bet you would not hear a differnce. 🙂
I paid 1800.00USD for my Gibson Explorer in 2018. I paid 500.00USD for my Reverend Volcano, and it plays and sounds every bit as good as the Gibson. That said, I just ordered the Epi korina V because it's my holy grail guitar, and because I'm a lefty and will probably never get another chance to buy one.
@@1972Georges There's not a $2000 difference even from the old Epi Explorers 😂 These are so stupidly overpriced that a regular Gibson Explorer is only about $413 more on Thomann. And given how the body and neck wood looks on the Epi (Mahogany), it's pretty much the same specs, just the Gibson got Rosewood and overall better hardware and wood selection. And the Epiphone Explorer headstock is always that bit more different than the actual Gibson one, it just looks wrong.
I really like these Andertons videos since the time when Pete has joined with Lee doing these product demos. Pete is such a nice and positive spirit guy! So keep on rocking and sending these marvellous videos! Petes brillant playing is often demonstrating what the product will show case in most of us guitar nerds.
I bought the 2017 Epiphone Joe Bonnemassa "AMOS" 1959 Korina V. At first I was disappointed that the color of it is a lot more honey-ish than my VERY yellow 1986 Gibson Heritage 59 Korina V reissue is. But the color grew on me. I bought the Epi so I could retire my Gibson, (sort of a stunt double) which I did do. After getting used to it and dialing in the nut grooves and putting in a SH-6 bridge pickup, it's become my daily player. I like it. I like it so much I also bought the Korina Explorer Bass last year too. Right now I'm one trade away from buying the Explorer guitar to complete the set.
I hope you guys know how much fun it is to watch you play and jam together. Watching you guys actually inspires me to play more myself, and I’m sure I’m not the only one. Sure, you’re running a business and selling gear. But thought you should know what you do goes beyond that. Rock on, brothers!
This is cool. A few Epi's here so i'm set. They're rocking nowadays. That this offering is done during the 150th anniversary of Epiphone is icing on the cake.
I've got a Epi '58 Korina Vee made in the Czech Republic bought new in Rome in the 90s... sounds n plays great. This video prompted me to play it for the first time in months and still perfectly in tune. No desire to replace it with a Gibson or indeed the new Epiphone version.
I own a 2009 58' reissue explorer, that was made in Korea with exceptional quality. I tuned it down to Eb standard and it sounds like a real, vintage explorer. Not sure if it has a rosewood fretboard or not, but I will never let that guitar go. I'm curious how the new reissue compares to mine.
A Gibson Explorer Antique Natural isn't much more expensive than the Epiphone 1958 Korina. I think these Epiphones are overprized. There are cooler signature Explorers by Epiphone that are cheaper than these '58 models. But that's just my opinion off course. I've wanted an Explorer for a long time. Especially when I had my leg chopped off 9 years ago. Since then I need to sit on a bar stool to be able to play and switch pedals without having to take the risk of falling over. And I've been dreaming of my own perfect Explorer. Olive Drab Green, Filtertron pickups and a Deusenberg vibrato system. Did I tell you that Explorers are ergonomically perfect for playing them sitting down. And with heavy strings that upper horn under your arm will resonate through your entire body. Such a good feeling! O no, my braincells have found my calculator again. I know what they're up to. 😎
Sounds and looks great! I don't get how so many people say it's too much money for an Epiphone. Ehy is it OK for brands like LTD/ESP or Jackson to charge well over a grand for an import, but not Gibson/Epiphone? It's import but still high quality!
These Epiphones are made in china, quality is kinda meh, while the other high end brands in this pricerange are made in Indonesia and Korea both of which are known for higher specced and better quality guitars. Reverend even uses Korina on most if not all of their guitars, made in Korea and is about the same as this or +-$150. Korina isn't as special as Gibson want's to gloat about it, many uses it, it's also has a different name, Limba, there's tons of it. Speaking of Korina, these guitars does not, despite the name, look like they use it, but Mahogany. The regular USA Gibson/V are much greater value than these Epiphones.
I do enjoy loads of pink stuff, but the inside of those cases -- probably the most shockingly eye-burningly pink that has ever popped up on my screen. :D
1. The way Pete played the V at 19:47 is the way to sit and play a V. 2 I've played a lot of V's in my time and they all have that thinner sound. It's because there's a chunk of wood taken out of the guitar right below the tailpiece to form the V. I'm not an engineer but every V I've played has that thinness. Even expensive Gibson V's. It's a tradeoff for getting that look.
I got my 58 Flying V but the Explorer is always out of stock, this is a new offering with a case. Get them if and when you can, I knew the second I ordered another guitar these would come back in stock. 1958 was also my birth year, I guess I was one of those amazing things, haha.
How is the neck? Is it super chunky like a baseball bat or feels good? The satin finish would help I think. The Explorer is just so big I feel like I'd be knocking it against everything unless I was in a big room.
If I'm not mistaken the Gibsons have Custombucker 3's in them, versus the Burstbuckers in the Epiphones. Would love to know how much difference these make on their own?
I have one of the 20916 Epiphone korina explorers and it is absolutely one of my favorites. I'm sorely tempted to get one of these. And that case! PS - I clicked back and forth from 14:13 to 14:45 and, honestly, it sounds like the same guitar.
Lee my 2021 epiphone 1958 flying v in ebony is super loud unplugged because of the string thru, wood, and it is brighterbecause of the body shapes and neck chunkiness
They have new 1958 Epiphone Korina Flying Vs with Epiphone pickups on American Musical Supply for $599. So if you put in Burstbuckers for $300, that gets you to $900. So the extra $400 is better pots? There are people saying this is a "steal." Yes, but who is doing the stealing?
I think Epiphone missed the mark with the price point on these. The Gibson Natural Explorer sells for $1999, only $700 more than the Epi. I personally feel that price difference doesn't make the Epiphone stand out. Epiphone has always come in at half or less than half of it's Gibson counterparts. These are beautiful guitars, I guess we'll see how they sell.
If they had Gibson on them...mayge..but too expensive for Epiphone...freight costs have gone up greatly, making many affordable instruments not so affordable.. but this is ridiculous
They look great but £1200 is absolutely ridiculous. My 2016 Gibson traditional flying v was £999 brand new with full body and neck bonding push pull pots. Epiphone prices are just becoming silly realistically these should have been £750-850 max.
These do sound great , at least mine does . . super light , the pick ups are picking up some vibes in that korina highlighting the mids . . great Guitar
Seems silly expensive for what it is, and others have complained that the neck is sticky. The Epiphone '59 Les Paul Custom Shop collaboration debuted at $699 with Gibson BB2 & BB3 pickups, premium Gibsony electronics, "premium" Epiphone case and essentially the same features as these, so I'm not sure why these cost nearly twice as much. $699-$799 is about what I would consider Fair Market Value for one of these. I would also tone it down by putting a BB1 in neck and moving the BB2 to bridge as I did with the Epi' '59 Les Paul ($999 new last I checked), probably upgrade the tail hardware to Faber, & add locking tuners from Grover or Gotoh. With those mods/upgrades and a buffed-out finish I am really happy with the Epi' '59 for a total budget of ~ $1000, and do not pine for a Gibson Les Paul (I've played many :o)
Since decades i play any guitar sitting in the classical way. So the Flying V would be the perfect guitar. The Korina a.k.a. Limba is mainly used for window-frames. But what the heck, it sounds so sweet. And it always reminds me of the legendary Stones Hidepark Concert. The Explorer always comes to my mind, when i remember Lynyrd Skynyrd. If i could turn back time, i´d get them both. Now i am old and have too many. Would not dare to buy another and getting decapitated by my old lady. 😉
Honestly I think its great that Epiphone put these out. The Explorer especially. Does anyone make anything like this kind of quality Explorer other than Epiphone? LTD or ESP, etc.? I wish they were closer to $800, but as long as the build is quality and holds up, them seem very much worth it. The Ibanez destroyers from the era are so expensive. I don't know if I would like the V or Explorer better, I wish I had a shop nearby that had both to try. Especially for the neck shape, worried these might be kind of a baseball bat if the specs are 1950's.
Nothing wrong with Epiphone's. I have an Epi SG G400 Pro that I gig with and it's amazing (got lucky: it's a real good one). But to put these prices into context: I just bought a 2022 Gibson V in Antique Natural finish with Gibson hard case for £1150. Would I swap it for a new Epiphone V at £1199? Absolutely no way ever...
In the early 2000s those korina Epiphone guitars were around 500 euros and I was going to buy one, but because at that time I was broke and young, I opted (sadly) for an Ibanez Gio and a crap solid state amp... in hindsight what a shame, considering the current prices of these Gibson and Epiphone...
Does anyone know what contribution of "Gibson Custom Shop" is this collaboration? Did they just give Epiphone some specs.... or is it more hands on... like a final setup? Would love to know those details.
Wish I could find one of those Explorers somewhere to play. It’s hard to spend that much on a guitar that’s mostly a mystery. I mean I have a frame of reference for Strats , Teles, LP’s , semihollows etc,… but you can’t readily find an Epi Explorer at your local Guitar Center. Will that change?
It was inevitable that PRS, Gibson, and Fender would end up with their "overseas" guitars coming up in price until they become premium brands in their own right. I don't begrudge Epiphone for coming up with a "top of the line" guitar for $1,299 - it's not for me, but it's definitely going to sell. They look killer. But I do think these brands need to be careful. Squier and Epiphone both still sell models of guitars in the "budget" range, but the more they increase prices, the more budget players move to other less expensive brands.
It's going to be brands like Sire that fill the void left in the affordable ranges as Epiphone's prices go up. Look for off-brand unknowns too, I have an EART, (Electroacoustic Art,) headless in the style of a Strandberg Boden and it is amazing! for less than $500 this guitar is in the quality range of guitars costing 3 to 4 times as much, I absolutly love it!
I agree 100%. Two years ago I was shopping in the PRS core, Gibson, ESP and Fender USA tier. Now I'm in either the used market or the Epiphone, E-II, LTD, PRS S2, Fender MIM tier. I'm glad I bought my higher end guitars when they were relatively affordable. These new Epiphones do look, and sound, amazing though and I understand the pricing in today's economic conditions. Still there's something in my brain that sends warning signals when I try to spend over $1K on an Epiphone.
Issue is that at that price range you already get a Gibson and are very close to a really good Gibson.
I’d always get a SG standard or Les Paul special over these
At that price, I would bet it won’t sell. What you can get elsewhere for that price, you’d be a fool to buy these.
@@bingobongo1615 exactly
I used to have an Ibanez Lawsuit Flying V and loved it. I have a newer model Gibson Explorer and it’s probably my absolute best and favorite guitar. While sitting down and playing, the Explorer is probably the best guitar I own for how comfortable it is to play in that position. Standard up it’s just the same and so well balanced.
I had two Ibanez Rocket Roll Vs from 1976 and they were my main and backup stage guitars for years. I put DiMarzios in them at the time. They were great guitars. I also had a 1977 Ibanez Korina Destoyer (Explorer) which was also great.
I agree. Nobody believes me when I say the explorer is the most comfortable guitar, but it really is
I bought a Gibson Explorer brand new in 2019 for £1150. That was the full price. Currently they're like £1700. Granted mine isn't a special edition, and I guess if you want a legit Korina V/Exp then it's 10k, but jeez £1300 for an Epi is expensive!
Definitely rather pay a little extra for a Gibson made in USA that is now Plek'ed rather than a Epiphone made in China that probably needs a proper setup and leveling - any day of the week.
Remember, they have the original Gobson PUs installed. These alone give you about 300.
I paid 1500 Canadian after tax for a 2018 gibson explorer in January of 2019 . The the same guitar now called the original collection explorer is 2300 Canadian plus tax a 1000 dollar increase in 3 years.
@@andreaswagner8356 And for $400 less, you can get the '59 Epiphone LP with the same electronics.. Gibson plays off Korina as being a special rare wood, which it definitely isn't.
It even doesn't look like Korina but Mahogany with Mahogany.
Oh, and they're made in china. I don't recall other brands have guitars in the $1299 range being made there, but high end Indonesia or Korea.
Well i just paid 2300 for my new white gibson V , and waited 2 years for it . True to Gibson form ( i own 12 ) , it was nothing but problems with finish and one bad tuner. So im glad i saved a thousand dollars and got a epiphone that has NO issues . just my experience.
I got my Epiphone Lzzy Hale Explorer, which is a '58 style, for £600 new.
Okay, it's a mahogany body and it doesn't have Gibson pickups, but it has a bound ebony board with block inlays, body binding, gold hardware, and what is almost certainly the same case but with a black interior and black vinyl cover with the Halestorm logo.
I can't see how these come to twice the price.
Wow that’s the first time I’ve seen the captain play standing up.
The Captain?!?! Standin up?!?! You don't say!!!! Lol
He was also playing standing up in an older Flying V and Explorer video
I mean, you kinda have to with Flying Vs
He's always stood up when they've done live concerts.
Was also standing for a Firebird video
I was a Hetfield fan growing up in the 80s so I love both these Guitars , I own both but sadly not Gibson I have both ESP models unbelievable Guitars Icons and will never die out .
Quarter sawn lumber is about much more than the appearance of the grain, although that tends to be the primary reason people buy it. If lumber is quarter sawn, it reduces expansion and contraction, is more resistant to moisture penetration, twisting, warping and cupping. It's much less likely to have surface checking, it ages more evenly and it actually holds paint better than flat sawn lumber. All of which I would imagine would be ideal qualities for guitar construction. Much higher waste factor when sawing it that way, so it's typically significantly more expensive than flatsawn.
Rosewood fingerboard damn it! Wood is a renewable resource and musical instruments account for less than 1%.
I think a better comparison would be between the epiphones and gibson original series flying V and Explorers. Because they're closer in their prices.
More importantly they have the same pickups. The USA V and Explorer also have BB2 and 3 but the usa V and explorer are made form mahagony and these are Korina so that is going to make a big difference in sound . I have 2 original collection explorers which are all maghagony and they have a different tonal flavor. These Korina explorers are brighter and more open with more bite and more of an upper mid boost . My all Maghagony explorers have alot more lower mids then these. They have alot more throaty lower nid growl and are more compressed. They also have more nasal Honk them these. And are more hollow sounding with less upper mids
Also the USA flying V has a stop bar tail price and Nashville tune o matic and are not strung though the body like the epi Korina and the gibson Korina these epis are much closer in spec to the custom shop Korina gibsons . Also the gibson USA V and explorer have very slim necks and the epis have fat 58 necks .
@@adamwatson6916 These look like Mahogany though, doesn't not looke like Korina at all, gotta wait for better pics I guess.
Korina isn't special, many luthiers uses it and calls Gibson and their religious followers out on it, and Reverend uses it on most if not all their guitars, for about the same price +-$100 and they use roasted Maple, Rosewood and are made in Korea, and not china..
And no, It's not going to make a big difference in sound, wood does have its own unique sound, but there's not 2 Mahogany guitars that will sound the same either, and the electronics will have the biggest saying in that matter (2 of the same pickup will also sound different, and will have the absolute biggest sound difference between 2 guitars regardless of wood) and the wood pretty much none, I prefer a guitar to be resonant though.
Taking the piss with those prices. Get a second hand Gibson explorer. Also, smaller companies are managing to get rosewood back on cheaper guitars now.
They already released these '58 korina reissues years ago but made in Korea at World Musical Instrument Inc. and they are amazing players. All the guitars that came out of that factory play amazing. Search out one of those, because of the Epi name it might be possible to find deals out there.
Yes, I still have mine. Tuning can be a little doo-lalley. It cost me £399. These are £1.2k each??
I had one of the 'korina' V's from the early 2000s, it was just a veneer and very very much a mediocre guitar. These (like most recent epis) will be a step above those.
I've had two of the late 90s Epi Korina Vs and also the late 90s Epi Korina Explorer. And the Korina Moderne from like 2001. And the Korina SG. All made in Korea. They were decent guitars, but they were less expensive. They were around $500 USD new back then. The SG was less. They all came with cases back then. I like these ones but the aged finish looks like crap. I've had the Epi 59 LP and two Gold Glory JJN LPs. I immediately took a polishing machine to them.
As for the video, the Gibsons looked better than the Epis by a long shot. The sounds were close, but again Gibson wins with the Custombuckers.
I think these are worth the money. Great cases.
yep, I bought one for $275 about 6 years ago. plays insanely well, upgraded the pickups and it sings like an angel. I play it through my ssd-3000 into an AC15 for the chimey U2 tones. sounds incredible, and plays super well. I even picked up a vintage Gibson case for it for $90. Ive played a gibson custom shop one at a guitar center and could hardly tell a difference.
I own a 2009 Korea explorer, tuned it to D standard, sounds like the real deal
I have a 2016 Epiphone Korina 58 V. I absolutely love it. And I also have USA and Japanese guitars. Only thing I had to do was change the nut. The original nut was horrible at staying in tune.
Love the raw playing. Some truly stellar moments on your out. We’ll done!
I was gonna build a Flying V & it was going to resemble Epiphone’s V. I think the price of my build would come around the asking price of this new reissue. Buying all the parts & having my luthier put it together for me would be close to the 1,300.00.
I’m ordering this Epiphone. Gotta have it 😊
Then add to that the fact you get a case included, which are really nice (see 11:22), the fact you get a warranty, and re-sale value would be higher than a custom build.
I can remember rewinding my Trading Places video about thirty times, you know the bit (or two bits). The Explorer looks comfy.
You guys should have done a blindford challenge for these guitars. It would be interesting to hear what Pete says by playing and comparing them blindfolded.
You should check your ears if you think an epiphone, which is a sub Gibson brand with cheaper parts and cheaper quality wood could even come close to sounding like a Gibson
@@chipchiperson679Right? I’m with you! I’m so sick of these inferior beings who strum an inferior product walking around and breathing the same air as I! I’ve found there are two lanes in life - 1. Gibson people 2. Everyone else. Be like the former!
@@chipchiperson679 Thanks. I needed a laugh!
I ponied up a bought the Explorer and all I can say is it’s probably the best sounding guitar I have out of 14 others including Gibson, Fender, Reverend, Kiesel, etc.
It a bit Expensive but it’s tone is fabulous
It’s unfortunate that they didn’t use rosewood or Ebony.
Ebony on a korina guitar?
Stop deluding yourself about the value of tone wood" on electric guitars...
@@ericvernon1182 if you can't tell the difference in tone, feel and looks of different fretboard woods, you've clearly not played many guitars. It's not remotely the same as trying to compare body and neck woods.
@@DruEllz typical elitist reply...i especially enjoy how you mention looks...just about the only difference in any wood on an electric...
But you go ahead and stick ur pinky out there and tell me how many different guitars i haven't played...like you know me...smh...
Despite the mountain of evidence piling up if you still wanna believe in tonewood you go right ahead...I'm sure the flat earthers have a theory you'll buy into as well...
@@ericvernon1182 lol, OK sweetheart. If you think there's no difference between maple, rw, ebony, Pau Ferro etc for fretboards, you really don't know what you're talking about. Body wood I pretty much agree with you but to say the same about boards is easily demonstrably wrong. Also a bit weird to dismiss looks. Also also a bit weird to mention flat earth when you're wearing a tin foil hat and getting triggered by the evil tonewood conspiracy.
Could you guys make some used gear vids too?? I know it’s not the bread and butter, but it would be really neat to see some common used/vintage gear from the UK. Thanks!
They're $1300 here in the States and that's a no go for me. I also think the 10 grand for the Gibson versions is bonkers as well. I'd love to have the Custom Shop version but I can't pay that kind of money. I own a 2018 Gibson Explorer and a 16 Gibson V. Paid $700 for the V and $1200 for the Explorer
I've got a '99 Epiphone Korina Flying V that I bought when I was 17. I replaced all of the hardware with gold hardware, and replaced the pickups with DiMarzio UtoPIA in gold & black. Easily my favourite guitar in my collection, and it just turned 25 this Spring! (Fall 2024 at the time of posting this)
Epiphone flying v...you can play from blues to metal with that guitar. I bought one of them in 2017 🥰🥰🥰
I remember very vivid that the gibbons where 1200!
I have the Epiphone "58 Korina V and Explorer. They are from 2015 and 16 repectively purchased used online and together they cost about $1200, the V was mint and the Exp. was excellent. There are still deals out there you just gotta look around. I would like to know where to get those 6 inline vintage Klusons with the plastic tips however.
I was looking for tuners a few wks back mate... Try Gotoh, lm pretty sure they do the snot green Kluson style.
Those explorers and Vs are not Korina though. They are alder with Korina veneers.
Very expensive for an epiphone model BUT if we can forget the name in headstock then we have a very good guitar. It sounds like Gibson or very close to me and it has the sound I expect in this price range.
The previous '58 Korina Explorer/V was £400, got mine for £300 used. £1200 is crazy.
Even the Bonamassa Amos was cheaper
I was lookingfor an used Flying V Korina at that price (current price)... I think I can forget about it now.
the previous models weren't actually korina. It was just a veneer.
@@stilllifewithguitar184 The 2010 models were sold in ebony and natural and quite literally had "made from solid Korina" in the specs so no, it was not "just a veneer".
@@stilllifewithguitar184I know it has a veneer but what about the body and neck wood? That means Epiphone was lying for more than 20 years??
The "same" model but "Inspired by Gibson", Mahogany body and Epiphone Pickups is 599€. Count to 1299€ for the current Korina.
2023 - the year epiphones became unaffordable
Everything is unaffordable these days
Glad The Trad pro IV les Paul still exists. Best guitar for the money as far as Les Paul's go.
@@simonmodig even heating!!!
$1200 is a steal compared to the $10k they want for a Gibson Custom Shop
@@TeamBenelliShooter exactly $1200 with a case! is not bad and it’s available in a left handed version so it’s a win in my book
Great video but I think Epiphone have jumped the shark with this one.
An Epiphone for Gibson Les Paul money... maybe not.
You can still pick up a new non-satin finished Epiphone Korina V or Explorer for ~£550. Even if you bought the case and a set of Gibson pick ups you'd still have cash left...
In business, we had a manufacturing arm for a while. When creating a more “affordable” product, it financially behooved us to use 99% of the same materials with the 1% being a superficial delineator that implied the customer was buying a lower quality product. The perception of “cheaper” was mostly in the client’s head and not very much in reality. That seems to be where Epiphone is right now. If it said “Gibson” on the headstock, it would satisfy the cork sniffers and they’d maintain that they have an instrument that is top of the heap.
£1,200? For an epiphone? Good god. Wasn’t the 59 LP around £700 and the 61 SG £650?
ZZounds and AMS have had the 58 Korina models all 3 including Moderne actually still only $599 I got one of each last year to complete the set. Not sure if ill get one of these when I could just wear those down and look better than satin. My JB Lazurus from last year kind of let me down with satin finish.
lol I got my Epiphone 58 korina explorer 10 years ago for $250 and now they're selling for 1200, I get it's a gibson collaboration but it's still an epiphone and $1200 is insane for an epiphone that's not even a sig model
I think that the price for these Epiphone models are pretty cool indeed and with a hardshell case included great. Epiphone guitars ive had like 3 the first one was a 1989 Les Paul Custom in white and the Two other ones were Les Paul Classic ¡ all 3 of em were not b but for me C class the fre job was awfull but they sounded good but i paid over 500 bucks for those guitars and now they are building them with more detail to quality so. And these 2 Replicas are extremely Cool. Great Job Epiphone.
D stands for David. Dwight David Eisenhower. I’m sure no one asked or cares but I was a poli sci major and history minor so it’s engrained in me.
Sweet guitars too 🙃🎸
Iirc, he was originally gonna be David Dwight Eisenhower, but he had a brother or something with that name, so they flipped the two around.
I'm happy Gibson is finally allowing Epiphone to make great guitars with great components. For the longest it was like they were cutting the legs off of their budget brands on purpose just to keep from the inevitable fact that the quality would reach too close to that of Gibson standard stuff.
Give us the good electronics and hardware on all the budget brands from now on. It's worth it
I have a 98 Epiphone korina v reissue and it is a beast of a guitar i cannot wait to try one of these and see how they stack up!
I have the tommy thayer Explorer and Sound absolut amazing...always love this shape and will thank epiphone for their good Instruments
I had a Korina Explorer, was so good, but now I have a Gibson Explorer and man, is sooo perfect
your Epi did probably not got the same featues as this ome. Furhter, there might be a difference but not a 2000 USD difference. I bet you would not hear a differnce. 🙂
I paid 1800.00USD for my Gibson Explorer in 2018. I paid 500.00USD for my Reverend Volcano, and it plays and sounds every bit as good as the Gibson. That said, I just ordered the Epi korina V because it's my holy grail guitar, and because I'm a lefty and will probably never get another chance to buy one.
@@1972Georges There's not a $2000 difference even from the old Epi Explorers 😂
These are so stupidly overpriced that a regular Gibson Explorer is only about $413 more on Thomann. And given how the body and neck wood looks on the Epi (Mahogany), it's pretty much the same specs, just the Gibson got Rosewood and overall better hardware and wood selection. And the Epiphone Explorer headstock is always that bit more different than the actual Gibson one, it just looks wrong.
They’re literally using Korina but they still can’t use actual Rosewood? And charging $1299 for a guitar with a granadillo/laurel/pao ferro fretboard?
I really like these Andertons videos since the time when Pete has joined with Lee doing these product demos. Pete is such a nice and positive spirit guy! So keep on rocking and sending these marvellous videos! Petes brillant playing is often demonstrating what the product will show case in most of us guitar nerds.
I bought the explorer version. It is wicked.
What is the weight of yours?
@Music Production Videos hi. I'm not exactly sure but it's pretty light. Really nicely balanced
I bought the 2017 Epiphone Joe Bonnemassa "AMOS" 1959 Korina V. At first I was disappointed that the color of it is a lot more honey-ish than my VERY yellow 1986 Gibson Heritage 59 Korina V reissue is. But the color grew on me. I bought the Epi so I could retire my Gibson, (sort of a stunt double) which I did do. After getting used to it and dialing in the nut grooves and putting in a SH-6 bridge pickup, it's become my daily player. I like it. I like it so much I also bought the Korina Explorer Bass last year too. Right now I'm one trade away from buying the Explorer guitar to complete the set.
I got a korina v and moderned recently for labour 6-700 each and I gotta say they sound AMAZONG. All I need is the explorer and I have the full set.
I hope you guys know how much fun it is to watch you play and jam together. Watching you guys actually inspires me to play more myself, and I’m sure I’m not the only one. Sure, you’re running a business and selling gear. But thought you should know what you do goes beyond that. Rock on, brothers!
This is cool.
A few Epi's here so i'm set. They're rocking nowadays.
That this offering is done during the 150th anniversary of Epiphone is icing on the cake.
Hello. Mine should be here tomorrow! I found it In-stock from a store in Portland,Oregon. Take care. From Sioux City,Iowa. USA.
I've got a Epi '58 Korina Vee made in the Czech Republic bought new in Rome in the 90s... sounds n plays great. This video prompted me to play it for the first time in months and still perfectly in tune. No desire to replace it with a Gibson or indeed the new Epiphone version.
I just got the Epiphone V and it is a stunning instrument! Sounds and plays amazing!
Nice to see they've made them in a Lefty version as well...🤘
Kudos for a great demo guys. Also, 🤣 for Pete's "Shiny" Moana reference!
I own a 2009 58' reissue explorer, that was made in Korea with exceptional quality. I tuned it down to Eb standard and it sounds like a real, vintage explorer. Not sure if it has a rosewood fretboard or not, but I will never let that guitar go. I'm curious how the new reissue compares to mine.
A Gibson Explorer Antique Natural isn't much more expensive than the Epiphone 1958 Korina. I think these Epiphones are overprized. There are cooler signature Explorers by Epiphone that are cheaper than these '58 models. But that's just my opinion off course.
I've wanted an Explorer for a long time. Especially when I had my leg chopped off 9 years ago. Since then I need to sit on a bar stool to be able to play and switch pedals without having to take the risk of falling over. And I've been dreaming of my own perfect Explorer. Olive Drab Green, Filtertron pickups and a Deusenberg vibrato system.
Did I tell you that Explorers are ergonomically perfect for playing them sitting down. And with heavy strings that upper horn under your arm will resonate through your entire body. Such a good feeling!
O no, my braincells have found my calculator again. I know what they're up to. 😎
I almost bought one of these but I would like to play one before I bought it. I need to know what it feels like first.
Sounds and looks great! I don't get how so many people say it's too much money for an Epiphone. Ehy is it OK for brands like LTD/ESP or Jackson to charge well over a grand for an import, but not Gibson/Epiphone? It's import but still high quality!
These Epiphones are made in china, quality is kinda meh, while the other high end brands in this pricerange are made in Indonesia and Korea both of which are known for higher specced and better quality guitars.
Reverend even uses Korina on most if not all of their guitars, made in Korea and is about the same as this or +-$150.
Korina isn't as special as Gibson want's to gloat about it, many uses it, it's also has a different name, Limba, there's tons of it.
Speaking of Korina, these guitars does not, despite the name, look like they use it, but Mahogany.
The regular USA Gibson/V are much greater value than these Epiphones.
I’ve got an old epiphone Korina Flying V, I also want an explorer to match it. Lol
I had the explorer, I loved it. Swapped out the hardware and pickups and it was a killer. I absolutely regret selling it.
Epiphone used to be my go to brand for great and affordable guitars for the average hard working family guy. Now I can no longer afford an Epiphone🤷
I do enjoy loads of pink stuff, but the inside of those cases -- probably the most shockingly eye-burningly pink that has ever popped up on my screen. :D
1. The way Pete played the V at 19:47 is the way to sit and play a V. 2 I've played a lot of V's in my time and they all have that thinner sound. It's because there's a chunk of wood taken out of the guitar right below the tailpiece to form the V. I'm not an engineer but every V I've played has that thinness. Even expensive Gibson V's. It's a tradeoff for getting that look.
I got my 58 Flying V but the Explorer is always out of stock, this is a new offering with a case. Get them if and when you can, I knew the second I ordered another guitar these would come back in stock. 1958 was also my birth year, I guess I was one of those amazing things, haha.
How is the neck? Is it super chunky like a baseball bat or feels good? The satin finish would help I think. The Explorer is just so big I feel like I'd be knocking it against everything unless I was in a big room.
If I'm not mistaken the Gibsons have Custombucker 3's in them, versus the Burstbuckers in the Epiphones. Would love to know how much difference these make on their own?
I can't stand Gibson, but props to them for shipping them with a hard case in this price range
I have one of the 20916 Epiphone korina explorers and it is absolutely one of my favorites.
I'm sorely tempted to get one of these. And that case!
PS - I clicked back and forth from 14:13 to 14:45 and, honestly, it sounds like the same guitar.
Lee my 2021 epiphone 1958 flying v in ebony is super loud unplugged because of the string thru, wood, and it is brighterbecause of the body shapes and neck chunkiness
They have new 1958 Epiphone Korina Flying Vs with Epiphone pickups on American Musical Supply for $599. So if you put in Burstbuckers for $300, that gets you to $900. So the extra $400 is better pots? There are people saying this is a "steal." Yes, but who is doing the stealing?
Pete’s face at 14:15 = “Not the same pickups!”
The release of the Flying V and explorer may have prompted late pm Harold MacMillans catchphrase “you’ve never had it so good”☺️☺️☺️
1958 - Brazil's first World Cup, with Péle at the age of 17. :)
I think Epiphone missed the mark with the price point on these. The Gibson Natural Explorer sells for $1999, only $700 more than the Epi. I personally feel that price difference doesn't make the Epiphone stand out. Epiphone has always come in at half or less than half of it's Gibson counterparts. These are beautiful guitars, I guess we'll see how they sell.
That’s 30% higher,not a little more,fn hilarious
@Tom Militello depends on your perspective. Still not worth $1299 for the Epiphone.
I’d want a rosewood fretboard for that money.
I bought a new Dean Z 79 in a blowout sale for 249 with a bound rosewood fretboard
If they had Gibson on them...mayge..but too expensive for Epiphone...freight costs have gone up greatly, making many affordable instruments not so affordable.. but this is ridiculous
They look great but £1200 is absolutely ridiculous. My 2016 Gibson traditional flying v was £999 brand new with full body and neck bonding push pull pots. Epiphone prices are just becoming silly realistically these should have been £750-850 max.
These do sound great , at least mine does . . super light , the pick ups are picking up some vibes in that korina highlighting the mids . . great Guitar
Not much less than I paid for a Gibson explorer a few years ago.
Seems silly expensive for what it is, and others have complained that the neck is sticky. The Epiphone '59 Les Paul Custom Shop collaboration debuted at $699 with Gibson BB2 & BB3 pickups, premium Gibsony electronics, "premium" Epiphone case and essentially the same features as these, so I'm not sure why these cost nearly twice as much. $699-$799 is about what I would consider Fair Market Value for one of these. I would also tone it down by putting a BB1 in neck and moving the BB2 to bridge as I did with the Epi' '59 Les Paul ($999 new last I checked), probably upgrade the tail hardware to Faber, & add locking tuners from Grover or Gotoh. With those mods/upgrades and a buffed-out finish I am really happy with the Epi' '59 for a total budget of ~ $1000, and do not pine for a Gibson Les Paul (I've played many :o)
Since decades i play any guitar sitting in the classical way.
So the Flying V would be the perfect guitar.
The Korina a.k.a. Limba is mainly used for window-frames.
But what the heck, it sounds so sweet.
And it always reminds me of the legendary Stones Hidepark Concert.
The Explorer always comes to my mind, when i remember Lynyrd Skynyrd.
If i could turn back time, i´d get them both.
Now i am old and have too many.
Would not dare to buy another and getting decapitated by my old lady. 😉
Epiphone, give us the double-cut les paul juniors cmonnnnn
love the new flying v tho
I just ordered the explorer korina I'm so excited
Honestly I think its great that Epiphone put these out. The Explorer especially. Does anyone make anything like this kind of quality Explorer other than Epiphone? LTD or ESP, etc.? I wish they were closer to $800, but as long as the build is quality and holds up, them seem very much worth it. The Ibanez destroyers from the era are so expensive. I don't know if I would like the V or Explorer better, I wish I had a shop nearby that had both to try. Especially for the neck shape, worried these might be kind of a baseball bat if the specs are 1950's.
Nothing wrong with Epiphone's. I have an Epi SG G400 Pro that I gig with and it's amazing (got lucky: it's a real good one). But to put these prices into context: I just bought a 2022 Gibson V in Antique Natural finish with Gibson hard case for £1150. Would I swap it for a new Epiphone V at £1199? Absolutely no way ever...
Hmm, I'm starting to think Lee has spent some time at the crossroads. Great playing and tone.
1300 USD and Epiphone is trippin'. I remember when these were 449
£1200 For the Flying V Korina! What the heck?!
close epiphone... for that price it should a rosewood fret board!
I have the Gibson versions and wouldn't mind picking up these two to have the set.
I LOVE these guitars. No more wallspace for two more.... but I LOVE these guitars......
Definitely worth it at £899. I'm buying at that price. What? They want £1,200? I'm out...
Totally agree. The only thing stopping me pulling the trigger. Can’t imagine they are “limited”. That moniker always commands a higher price tag.
Yeah better bought used les paul
Maaaaann that explorer though… price is a bit hard to look at, but the value of that case kinda makes it bearable.
I paid $1233.00 for a 2017 Gibson Explorer HP in 2019. I'm just not there with a $1300.00 Epiphone. Not knocking the quality just the price.
i think the black insert on the bottom of the Vee body pulls out and can be used to rest against your leg in the seated position
In the early 2000s those korina Epiphone guitars were around 500 euros and I was going to buy one, but because at that time I was broke and young, I opted (sadly) for an Ibanez Gio and a crap solid state amp... in hindsight what a shame, considering the current prices of these Gibson and Epiphone...
I’m as big an Epiphone fanboy as anybody, particularly since the outstanding “Inspired by Gibson” product revamp, but $1300 is a bridge much too far.
Come on Lee, tone wood is a myth. It's probably tolerances of the caps/pots in the circuit and the pickup heights.
They need to do a Michael Schenker Black and White Flying Vee reissue.
Damn, those look incredible. I’d definitely rock one of those
Do they? Wrong colour, awfull laurel fretboard
Looks like Pete got his Cloudburst. I've been debating getting a Slötva or a Cloudburst.
Do those Epis have a veneer to cover the multi piece body or are they solid 2-piece Korinas?
The specs on the Epiphone site said full korina. I had the same question.
Does anyone know what contribution of "Gibson Custom Shop" is this collaboration? Did they just give Epiphone some specs.... or is it more hands on... like a final setup? Would love to know those details.
My Epi Korina V will be delivered tomorrow!
Wish I could find one of those Explorers somewhere to play. It’s hard to spend that much on a guitar that’s mostly a mystery. I mean I have a frame of reference for Strats , Teles, LP’s , semihollows etc,… but you can’t readily find an Epi Explorer at your local Guitar Center. Will that change?
sounds great boys !